The Senate Inquiry, which was championed by Senator Sterling Griff, came about after the recent Advance Dermocare incident where a number of dogs became very ill or died after consuming the food.

The inquiry was established to address the fact pet food standards are currently only voluntary and manufacturing and labelling requirements are not mandatory.

RSPCA Australia Scientific Officer for Companion Animals Dr Bronwyn Orr said the RSPCA is pleased to see the report reflecting consumer demands and also mirroring many of the recommendations the RSPCA put forward.

“The need for mandatory standards is well overdue and the community is owed the confidence that what they are feeding their pets is safe,” she said.

“Real action on mandated standards for pet food needs to occur – and it needs to happen sooner rather than later. There is already widespread support from both the community and the industry itself, so introducing regulatory mechanisms for the pet food industry can be a simple process."

“Australian pet owners deserve to be confident the food they buy their beloved animals is safe and nutritious, however, that confidence could be some time away,” said Dr Orr.

The RSPCA is aware the working group (of which the RSPCA will be a member) is due to deliver a report to the Agriculture Senior Officials Committee (AGSOC), but not for 12 months.

Dr Orr also urged state and territory governments, which will then have to commit to implementing some of the working group’s recommendations, to move quickly.

“What we don’t want to see is a recurrence of any of these tragic circumstances,” said Dr Orr. “And that’s what we risk, if we don’t act quickly. We need government to commit to implementing real change in this sector, and as fast as possible.

“The RSPCA is very much looking forward to the recommended changes becoming a reality, so pet owners across Australia can trust the food they put in their pet’s bowl,” said Dr Orr.

The RSPCA is Australia’s leading animal welfare organisation and one of Australia’s most trusted charities. The RSPCA works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.